"As the other review of the Nepali states, this is a big and comfortable external frame backpack. The detachable day pack is gone from the '97 model. The pack has three main compartments (including the enclosed sleeping bag compartment on the bottom) bringing the listed capacity to over 7000 cubic inches. All except a few of the exterior pockets are detachable using the Jansport 'daisy-chain' attachement loops.
The suspension is also updated for the '97 model,-- it is now attached to a plastic bracket which adjusts by sliding up and down the frame. The trademark 'Velocity' hip belt with outriggers to help position the pack more directly over the hips works well. However, the push button adjustment is difficult to use while wearing the pack fully loaded.
People shorter than 6 feet tall probably won't find the pack very comfortable. It is long ang 'thin'. Reaching the water bottle holster is also somewhat awkward. At 6+ lbs, this isn't a pack for minimalists.
Overall the pack is well designed and well made. It is probably most suitable for group leaders and 'heads-of-household' hiking with kids who need to be able to shouder a larger share of the bulky, heavy items."
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